B0098 - Data Mining and Qualitative Research Software

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: knows the main techniques of data mining and qualitative analysis with CAQDA (Computer AssistedQualitative Data Analysis Software) tools; knows the software NVivo's main features regarding the text, content analysis and social media resources.

Course contents

The course aims to introduce students to computer-assisted qualitative research, with a focus on the use of CAQDAS(Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software), particularly NVivo, one of the most widely used and comprehensive tools for qualitative data analysis.

Following an introductory section on the theoretical foundations of qualitative research—including the distinction between qualitative and quantitative approaches and an overview of key methodological tools—the course will adopt a hands-on, lab-based approach to learning the core functionalities of NVivo.

Students will gain practical experience in all essential steps: importing and organizing data (textual, visual, audio, and video), coding, thematic analysis, and data visualization. Special attention will be given to the use of the NCapture plug-in, integration with other software tools, and best practices for presenting research findings.

The course will conclude with a final practical exercise, in which students will develop a small qualitative research project using data collected independently or provided by the instructor, and will produce a structured report based on their analysis.

Readings/Bibliography

During the course, students will be provided with practical handouts and online multimedia resources, selected according to their digital skills. Specifically, the following materials will be used:

• Step-by-step handouts for each module.

• Official NVivo tutorials (videos and guides).

• Selected online resources:

  • Introduction to NVivo 14/15

  • Qualitative Data Analysis with NVivo

  • Getting Started with NVivo

  • NVivo Tutorials

  • NVivo Guide

Teaching methods

The course will be held entirely online and will adopt an active, lab-based approach.

Each session will be divided into two parts:

• an introductory segment, where the main functions of the NVivo software will be explained with guided examples and operational walkthroughs;

• a practical segment, where students will be asked to apply the concepts independently, either by completing exercises provided by the instructor or by simulating a real qualitative research project.

The initial lectures aim to provide the tools needed to understand the processes of data collection, management, and analysis, while the hands-on activities will allow students to consolidate these skills in a simulated but realistic context.

Assessment methods

The final assessment will take place during the last session of the course and will consist of a simulated research project. Students will be required to complete a series of practical exercises covered throughout the course, using the NVivo software.
The goal is to assess their ability to independently use the main features of the program and apply them to the analysis of digital sources.

Teaching tools

As the course is structured as an online lab, students will have the opportunity to use the devices available in the SDE Multimedia Lab, where the NVivo software is already installed.

If students are unable to access the lab in person, the virtual classroom will remain active, and it will be possible to install a free trial version of the software on their personal devices, following the instructions provided by the instructor.

Online class conduct rules:
To ensure an effective learning environment, all students are required to:

• keep their webcam turned on during class sessions;

• have access to a stable internet connection.

Office hours

See the website of Piergiorgio Degli Esposti